Fauna of Tasmania unit (KPZ314)

Hobart

Introduction

Tasmania has a distinctive fauna, even in Australian contexts, but it illustrates a range of principles that are globally relevant. This unit will provide students with an understanding of the factors that influence the diversity and distribution of biota, with an emphasis on insular systems (island biogeography) and the roles of abiotic and biotic factors. Some fauna will be approached from the perspective of their ecosystems (e.g., freshwater animals), while others will be dealt with on a taxon-by-taxon basis, but emphasising aspects of their ecology and evolutionary history that can explain their present diversity and distribution. The unit also challenges students to critically assess questions of relevance to fauna conservation, drawing support from published sources. The practical component develops proficiency in field survey design and techniques, and downstream critique of results. The combination of this unit with the field-based the summer school KPZ301 Tasmanian Field Ecology, and KPZ313 Plants of Tasmania provides some of the best undergraduate training in practical field ecology in Australia.

Summary

Unit name	Fauna of Tasmania
Unit code	KPZ314
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Biological Sciences
Coordinator	Associate Professor Christopher Burridge
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate factors that influence the diversity and distribution of biota, particularly in regard to insular systems such as Tasmania.
• Conduct and interpret results of animal-based surveys, considering the limitations of the approaches used.
• Defend or refute a position using peer-reviewed scientific literature in appropriately referenced written documents
• Explain globally significant threats to fauna conservation and potential management solutions, supported by Tasmanian examples.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KZA212 Functional Biology of Animals

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KZA215

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	1 x 1 hour lectorial per week, 12 weeks 1x 1-3 hr practical session per week, 12 weeks Individual study: self-directed contribution to practical activities (scoring of camera trap images)
Assessment	Critical Appraisal Assignment (15%)|Video presentation (15%)|Theory Exam (30%)|Fieldwork report (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
Recommended	McNab A. (2018) The Guide to Tasmanian Wildlife. Fullers Bookshop, Launceston.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.